AHTER 1919 F D R - Good Americanism

much has been said of late about good Americanism. It is right that it should have been said, and it is right that every chance should be seized to repeat the basic rules underlying our prosperity and our national existence itself.

But it would be an unusual and much to be wished for thing if in the coming presentation of the issues, a new note of fairness and generosity could be struck. Littleness, meanness, false-fought, extreme partisanship, these are not in accord with the American spirit.

I like to think that in this respect also we are moving forward. Let me be concrete. We have passed through a great war, an armed conflict which falls forth every resource, every effort on the part of the whole population.

The war was won as well as by Democrats. Men of all parties served in our armed forces. Men and women of all parties served the government at home. They thrived honestly as Americans, not as mere partisans.

Republicans and Democrats alike worked in administrative positions, raised liberty loans, administered food control, to a successful conclusion by a glorious, common effort, one which in the years to come will be a national pride. I feel very certain that our children will come to regard our participation as memorable for the broad honor and honesty which marks it for the absence of unfortunate

scandal, and for the splendid unity of action which extended to every portion of the nation. It was therefore not only served a little purpose, but what can form ill to our high standards if any person should in the heat of political rivalry seek to manufacture political advantage out of a nationally conducted struggle.